The celebration of motherhood has its roots back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, but today’s Mother’s Day was actually the brainchild of the author of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” – Julia Ward Howe in 1870.

Today’s Mother’s Day was born in West Virginia, when a woman’s group led by Anna Reeves Jarvis started up the day of remembrance.

Upon Jarvis’ death, her daughter campaigned for an official Mother’s Day in honor of her mother and of peace.

In 1908, the first official Mother’s Day was celebrated at Andrew’s Methodist Church in Grafton, West Virginia because of the daughter’s efforts.

There she decorated the church with her mother’s favorite flowers – the white carnation.

In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed to make Mother’s Day a national observance.

Some Douglas County residents shared their response to the question: “What is the greatest lesson you learned from your mother?”

Tax Commissioner Todd Cowan:

“I’m thankful for my stepmother, Terry Cowan, who raised me and loved me as her own. A valuable lesson she taught me, along the way, was to be courteous and respectful to others (especially adults). I guess this lesson stuck? I find myself habitually saying yes-sir, yes-ma’am, please, and thank you. A kind and respectful comment can really make a difference in someone’s day, and at times even calm an angry taxpayer…”

City Councilman Sam Davis:

“My mother, Beulah Welch Davis, was known as ‘ma’ to her family because of the many children she raised in addition to her own.

“She had the uncanny ability to simultaneously perform the tasks of counselor, spiritual advisor, friend, negotiator, seamstress and housekeeper. She was a strong and wise person who was often quoted among family and friends to convey life lessons.

“She was incredibly giving and kind, and remained active until she was called home. Her name, influence, compassion, love and smile will forever be inscribed in our hearts and minds.”

Ned and Joe Fowler, on their mother, Suzie:

“On April 8, 2013, Mom changed addressees from Campbellton Street in Douglasville — where she had been a ‘fixture’ since 1945 — to a permanent residence in Heaven.

“She was a gifted woman who was committed to speaking and writing about her faith in God, and she lived with great conviction that ‘absence from the body means presence with the Lord.’ Her great faith has left a lasting impact on us, and many others.

“Plus, Mom lived a life in ‘Technicolor.’ She saw beauty everywhere in creation: flowers, sunrises, full moons, waterfalls, and she wrote of that in her poetry that filled hundreds of pages. She left behind a legacy of wonder at what God has created, all so that he would be glorified and that we would experience joy, peace, and hope forever.”

*We welcome your comments on the stories and issues of the day and seek to provide a forum for the community to voice opinions. All comments are subject to moderator approval before being made visible on the website but are not edited. The use of profanity, obscene and vulgar language, hate speech, and racial slurs is strictly prohibited. Advertisements, promotions, spam, and links to outside websites will also be rejected. Please read our terms of service for full guides